Pulling from beats youd find somewhere in the mid 90s, Styles Ps Super Gangster (Extraordinary Gentleman) (Koch) plays out as a homage to the New York gangster rap era since lost in decadent 21st century Hip-Hop. Makes sense, right? After all, Styles has almost thirteen years under his belt, and a resume that includes hits with Diddy and an indelible membership in The LOX. But his third solo LP, sees itself playing out as a mix of hits and misses rather than all around consistent force.

The opener Blow Ya Mind is a lush club hopper calling for strobe lights and filled glasses as it busts with signature Swizz Beatz production. Glued together with a minimalist melody over a lighthearted rolling snare, Da 80s brings it back to the basis of it all. Styles embodies the essential bare-boned rhythm and rap combo with lines like: I dont need a hook, I got lyrics.

The Ray J featured Lets Go captures the Bad Boy party lifestyle Styles once so appropriately ran with. The Ghost is at his best with Green Piece Of Paper though. The Alchemist produced track incorporates his trademark sound of somber synth notes and small hints of classic soul samples creating a perfect sonic backdrop for P to body. The chorus clearly explains Peniros grave train of thought when it comes to eating on the streets: I lived my whole life for a green piece of paper (Fives) / Did some trife sh*t for a green piece of paper (Tens) / Did some hype sh*t for a green piece of paper (Twenties). Collaborations with Ghostface (Star Of The State) and Beanie Sigel (You Aint Ready For Me) also up the ante.

But Look @ Her comes off as redundant; as it features a tired and lackadaisical hook carried over a Green Lantern beat with no frills. The Café Society produced In It To Win It plays the same tune, and All I Know Is Pain is a study in Styles ability to rhyme disjointed monosyllabically structured words together. Additionally the awkward guitar heavy Holiday slows the momentum with a draining chorus provided by pseudo Dipset crooner Max B.

The best is saved for last, as D-Block shows up for the Pete Rock produced Gangster, Gangster and Black Thought drops some introspection on Because Im Black. While Super Gangster might be a nice addition to Styles already hardcore catalog, his gentleman behavior doesnt make this accessible enough to the civilians who just want to listen to Rap without their life being threatened.